When the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) scheduled a strike vote earlier this year, many viewed the move as another tactic orchestrated by the union to prevent Gov. Bruce Rauner from imposing his last, best offer.

Illinois Senate leaders had hoped to hold a vote as early as last week on a proposed budget plan that would raise the personal income tax rate to at least 4.95 percent, but the complex nature of the deal stalled the vote.

In a closed-door meeting earlier this month, Seneca Township Democratic Precinct Committeeman John Bartman was selected to run for state representative in House District 63 in Jack Franks’ stead, pitting Bartman, also a former Democratic Party chairman, against Republican candidate Steve Reick.

Illinois’ General State Aid (GSA) funds K-12 education and was originally intended to financially support school districts with the most need. Through the years, however, the formulas used to calculate the amount of state funding school districts receive has sparked outrage over the funding system providing large subsidies to a few select districts, namely, Chicago Public Schools.

Although some view Democratic state Rep. Jack Franks’ decision to not run for re-election in District 63 as a move that places Republicans at a huge advantage going into the November election, conservative House candidate Steve Reick says that since Franks no longer has to worry about re-election, voters are now seeing his “true colors.”

Conservative House candidate Allen Skillicorn is calling out Illinois politicians for advancing an education funding bill that would change the school funding formula and funnel more money toward schools in Chicago.

Illinois Senate President John Cullerton’s proposal to tax Illinois drivers based on road usage may generate more revenue to maintain the state’s roads, but such a complex task may prove immensely difficult to implement and sustain.

Steven Reick, who won the GOP primary in Illinois House District 63, is shining a spotlight on the devastating impact taxes and regulatory policies have had on his district, and is calling out House Speaker Mike Madigan and Democrat state Rep. Jack Franks for neglecting the needs of District 63 residents.

Steve Reick, Illinois House candidate for District 63, recently appeared on the Property Tax Show on AM-560, touching on the vision he has for Illinois and what he considers to be the most pressing issues facing the state.

Endorsed by the Illinois Federation for Right to Life, National Taxpayers United of Illinois, the Chicago Tribune, the Pro-Life Victory PAC and the National Rifle Association, House District 63 candidate Steven Reick looks strong going into Tuesday's Republican primary.

As voters prepare to cast their votes in Tuesday's primary, GOP candidate Allen Skillicorn in House District 66 wants voters to remember one important thing: “The race on March 15th is about substance; talk versus action. Vote Skillicorn,” he wrote on his Facebook page.